Category: Fishing

I have a friend Carl who lives with his wife and daughter in the Bay of Island; specifically they live in Russell. Carl is one of those really good guys, he has a great all round ability to fix and build anything. Anyway the reason I write this post is; I had the chance to go out with Carl fishing, he runs 4 Reel Bay of Islands Fishing Charters! Carl has a lot of history when it comes to fishing – firstly he is without a doubt the uncredited Kayak or Canoe fishing inventor! Well before kayaks came out with rod holders and the sport was even thought of; Carl was going out off the shores of Waiake on the North Shore in Auckland in his canvas covered kayak and bringing back his quota of large snapper. I can remember going down to meet him coming back from his 200 metres off shore jaunt – only to see the kayak looking like a scene from Shallow Hal with the front of the canoe buried in the water and carl almost floating above the water with every stroke. So back to the fishing trip out from Russell; Carl had said the night before – “Here is the challenge, we have to catch our own bait and have a legal Kingfish on board before 8am!” We headed out at 7:15am so that put us 15 minutes late. By 7:25 we were lowering the bait rod and pulling up 6 livies at a time (You need live bait for Kingfish). So after another 10 minutes motoring to one of Carl’s number 2 spots (Carl like to keep his number 1 spots as a back up haha) we baited up and lowered our kingfish rigs into the water. I have to be honest here; I thought there was no way we were going to have a Kingy on board to meet Carl’s challenge. Then the reel screamed into action and I started winding up the fighting fish, it was a nice size snapper. I thought well at least we caught a fish before 8am. It was now 7:50 and the minute hand on my watch seemed to have speed up! Then wham, the rod bent at least twice what it did for the snapper and it was all on. Carl yelled instructions as I slowly played the fish to the boat. Well this is Gods honest truth we had a legal Kingfish on the boat at 7:58am. The funny thing as Carl barely managed a smile, nor did he look smug. It was just another NORMAL day for him. Carl is one of only a few people I know that is living the dream; he really does do for a living what he would be doing anyway in his spare time after a normal days work.

I will leave the comments on for this post and would love to hear your fishing stories, especially if you have been out with 4 Reel or have had a similar challenge set before you departed. Happy fishing!!! I WILL delete spam.

Many people are too intimidated by fishing to even try it. Fishing is a versatile sport that can really be enjoyed just about anywhere. If you think fishing might be a hobby you want to get into, read on to pick up some general fishing tips and tricks.

Stream fisherman would be wise to start their fishing trips downstream, and make their way upstream as the day progresses. This is simply because fish tend to face against the direction of the current. By moving upstream you are lowering your chances of being seen or heard by your prey.

When fishing alone, be careful not to go into water that is too deep. This is especially true when fishing near large rivers as a sudden undercurrent could pull you under and drown you in even fairly shallow water. It is typically better to fish with at least one other friend.

While many fishermen rise early in the morning, on a bright and sunny day, you can often get the best results mid-afternoon. If the sky is grey and overcast, but it isn’t very windy, you’ll be able to do plenty of fishing all day long. So if you’d like to sleep in before a fishing trip, go right ahead!

If you are fishing in deep seas, stay attuned to signs of nearby fish. Debris or floating wood attract smaller fish which will then attract bigger fish. Many times fish will be in the area of debris. Seagulls feasting on smaller fish is also a sign that larger fish are looming nearby.

Casting your rod has everything to do with fishing and technique. Whether you cast underhand, sidearm, or overhand, it is important that you learn how to cast your rod properly. Practice in your backyard if you have enough space, and your fishing experience will be much less of a hassle.

If you go fishing by yourself, always let someone know exactly where you plan to fish and what time you plan to return from your trip. Follow the schedule and return on time, or check in by phone if you plan to stay later. This can prevent unnecessary worry on behalf of your loved ones.

Don’t scare the fish. You may think you’re not doing anything to disturb them, but fish are acutely sensitive to noise. If you want to finally land “the big one”, you should always walk softly near water edges and keep your voice down when talking with companions. If the fish hear you coming, they’ll head in another direction.

Some fishermen do not know that the larger the number of the hook is, the smaller the hook size. This is helpful prior to your fishing expedition when buying your tackle. You have to consider the right size hook for the fish you intend to catch. If the hook is too big, you might miss out on a great catch, if it is too small, your fish might get off the hook easily.

If you are still learning how to fish, it is best to avoid spending exorbitant amounts of money on new equipment. Buying an expensive rod is a mistake if you are only learning to fish. There are many good quality rods available for any budget. Therefore, purchase one that is within yours. If you find fishing enjoyable, you can always purchase a more expensive rod.

Stick to your fishing expedition, even if you aren’t catching too much! Patience is the key to fishing success. Scope out the area you plan on fishing in to see the potential that is present. There are several factors that impact fishing, like movement and the time of the day.

You need a good knife

Frequently clean your line, keeping it free from debris such as algae. Clean it after each trip, and check it before embarking on a new one. This is important because it will help you to cast more effectively. Keeping your line in good condition will help prevent breakage when you have hooked your fish.

Bugs are one of the most common irritations you can run into on a fishing trip, so remember to pack insect repellent! Different repellents can be more, or less effective depending on the local insect population. If you are visiting a new spot for the first time, try to bring along several types of repellent. Take note of which ones are most effective, so that you can be prepared next time!

A great fishing tip would be to learn the improved clinch knot for tying your lures or bait to your line. This knot is simply and is the best way to ensure that your bait will not be lost to a snag or while fighting a fish. Like all knots, make sure you practice, practice, practice.

While you are being patient, it is also important to remain calm and rather quiet when fishing. Being loud will not only annoy other fishermen around you, but it will also not help you in your efforts either. Just like you’re supposed to let the lure hit the water with the least amount of noise, so should you make the least amount of noise when fishing.

Learn how to properly clean fish. Come prepared with a filet knife and cutting board. Slice down the belly, starting at the head and moving down to the tail. Cut the head and pull it while pulling the organs in the other direction. Your fish will be open and cleaned.

The correct bait is an incredibly important part of fishing. You will never catch a fish if you are using a bait that doesn’t appeal to them at all. Instead, learn the differences between different types of bait and always target your fish with an attractive bait to have a bigger catch!

One great thing about fishing is that you can always learn something new about it, no matter what your current level of experience is. It really isn’t that difficult to begin fishing. Take a little time to understand the tips you’ve read here and you’ll be on your way to your big catch. You will enjoy a great meal and have fun catching it, too!